NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport has just dropped a major update for Green Bay Packers fans: quarterback Malik Willis is likely to step into the starting role not just for Week 2 against the Indianapolis Colts, but potentially for several weeks to come. This development comes as Packers head coach Matt LaFleur and the team are dealing with an injury to starting QB Jordan Love.
Rapoport detailed that while the Packers are keeping the possibility open for Love to make a speedy recovery, his MCL injury is expected to sideline him for a significant period. “Matt LaFleur is doing what a lot of coaches do, which is keeping the door open for an injured player who obviously wants to play knowing that it almost certainly not going to happen,” Rapoport explained. The anticipation is that Willis will take the reins this week and likely continue as the starter for the foreseeable future.
LaFleur has referred to Love’s knee injury as “more day-to-day than anything” in recent comments, as reported by Matt Schneidman. However, the reality is that Love has yet to see practice time, and the typical recovery period for an MCL injury is around three weeks. The Packers have not placed Love on injured reserve, which would sideline him for at least four games, suggesting they believe there’s a chance he could return sooner.
With Love out, Sean Clifford will serve as the backup to Willis, stepping in as the second string while Love remains sidelined.
Malik Willis, 25, is no stranger to high expectations. After transferring from Auburn, he spent two standout years at Liberty, leading the team to a 17-6 record over his tenure. The Tennessee Titans saw enough promise to draft him in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft with the 86th overall pick.
Willis was traded to the Packers by the Titans this preseason in exchange for a seventh-round pick. He’s currently in the third year of a four-year rookie contract valued at $5.16 million, which includes a $932,800 signing bonus.
During his rookie season, Willis appeared in eight games for the Titans. His stats included completing 50.8% of his passes for 276 yards, with no touchdowns and three interceptions. On the ground, he added 123 rushing yards and one touchdown. As Willis steps into the starting role for the Packers, fans will be watching closely to see how he performs and adapts to the increased responsibility.
As Green Bay navigates these challenges, all eyes will be on Malik Willis to see how he handles his opportunity to lead the Packers’ offense in Love’s absence. Stay tuned for more updates on his performance and the team’s developments.
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